expander

[ ik-span-der ]

/ ɪkˈspæn dər /

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noun

a person or thing that expands.

Also ex·pan·dor. Electronics. a transducer that produces an output with a range of voltages greater than that of the input signal.Compare compressor (def. 5).

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of expander

First recorded in 1860–65; expand + -er¹

Words nearby expander

EXP, expand, expanded, expanded metal, expanded plastic, expander, expanding universe, expanding universe theory, expanse, expansible, expansile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use expander in a sentence

You know your workflow better than anyone else, so if there’s some repetitive task you’re used to grinding away at, see if you can offload that work to a text expander instead.
Text expanders are the magical productivity tool you need to master|John Kennedy|July 1, 2021|Popular-Science
Text expanders are rivaled only by to-do list and email apps in terms of how many options there are on the market.
Text expanders are the magical productivity tool you need to master|John Kennedy|July 1, 2021|Popular-Science
This is a good app to start with if you want to try working a text expander into your workflow but aren’t sure you’re ready to pay for one.
Text expanders are the magical productivity tool you need to master|John Kennedy|July 1, 2021|Popular-Science
These are just a few of the many ways that you can use text expanders to make your work more efficient, but—like most productivity apps—it’s best to look at your personal routine and see when they can help.
Text expanders are the magical productivity tool you need to master|John Kennedy|July 1, 2021|Popular-Science

Some text expanders include intelligent macro editing that can, for example, automatically enter certain data into your snippets.
Text expanders are the magical productivity tool you need to master|John Kennedy|July 1, 2021|Popular-Science
Doctors also inserted a “tissue expander” that would spread out the healthy skin on his head.
Up to Speed: 5 Key Moments From the Michael Jackson AEG Trial|Christine Pelisek|September 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We furnish a ten cable chest expander which is adjustable to give resistance up to 200 lbs.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930|Various
Loosen up and continue till you have turned the expander entirely around.
Farm Engines and How to Run Them|James H. Stephenson
To repair a leaky flue you should have a flue expander and a calking tool, with a light hammer.
Farm Engines and How to Run Them|James H. Stephenson
Then force the expander into the leaky flue, bringing the shoulder well up against the end of the flue.
Farm Engines and How to Run Them|James H. Stephenson
Then turn the expander a quarter round, and drive in the pin again.
Farm Engines and How to Run Them|James H. Stephenson

British Dictionary definitions for expander

expander

/ (ɪkˈspændə) /

noun

a device for exercising and developing the muscles of the bodya chest expander

an electronic device for increasing the variations in signal amplitude in a transmission system according to a specified lawCompare compressor (def. 5), compander

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012